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Dinosaur tracks, cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, canyon ruins -- the Southwest United States is rich in archaeological discoveries accessible to the public. Whether you’re interested in exploring the discoveries found in just one state, or you prefer to view the findings throughout New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Arizona, tailored tours are available through several reputable institutions.

The Archaeological Conservancy

Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the non-profit Archaeological Conservancy has been acquiring and preserving American archaeological sites since 1980. The Conservancy organizes numerous multiday tours annually throughout the U.S., Mexico and South America. The organization operates a Best of the Southwest tour of Native American culture that includes visits to archeological sites across Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. For a tour that combines archaeology and adventure, consider the Yampa River tour, which involves canoeing through Dinosaur National Monument and viewing prehistoric rock shelters and petroglyphs.

Old Pueblo Archaeology Center

The Old Pueblo Archaeology Center in Tucson, Arizona, is devoted to historical, scientific and archaeological research, education and appreciation. Along with educational events and programs, Old Pueblo organizes education-based, archeologist-led tours to national parks and archaeological sites across the Southwest. The center’s one-day trips around Arizona’s archeological sites include museum visits and outdoor pueblo explorations, often with a specific focus, such as a certain era or culture. Extended multiday excursions that venture into New Mexico often include visits to lesser-known archaeological sites, such as the historic villages of the Tohono O’odham Nation in southeast Arizona and sites of ancient Mimbres pueblos in New Mexico.

Crow Canyon Archaeological Center

Located in Cortez, Colorado, the Crow Canyon Archeological Center is dedicated to preserving and passing down the history of the Pueblo people, also known as the Anasazi. The center conducts excavation and laboratory programs on-site for children and adults, as well as organizing archaeological travel tours around the world and across the Southwest. The center organizes tours that appeal to both sedate travelers, such as the Southwest Indian Art tour, and adventurers ready to hike and boat, including the Grand Canyon River Adventure and the Comb Ridge hiker’s special in Utah. Other tours, such as the Ancient People of Arizona excursion, offer a combined experience that includes restful museum visits and outdoor ruin explorations.

Arizona State Museum

Established in 1893, Tucson’s Arizona State Museum is the oldest and largest anthropology museum in the Southwest. As well as housing some of the most renowned exhibits in archaeology, ethnology, and ethnohistory, the museum is dedicated to archaeological research, preservation and education. Referring to their travel tours as “edu-taining adventures,” the museum organizes annual excursions that incorporate history and culture along with archaeology. Explore pueblos and archaeological sites in Arizona, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico on the Four Corners Learning Expedition, or discover ancient Native American dry desert survival skills on the Southern Deserts Learning Expedition.

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About the Author

A former art instructor, high school counselor and party planner, Christine Bartsch writes fashion, travel, interior design, education and entertainment content. Bartsch earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in communications/psychology/fine arts from Wisconsin Lutheran College and a creative writing Master of Fine Arts from Spalding University. She's written scripts for film/television productions and worked as the senior writer at a video game company.

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